>From the Putnam book:<
A swept-wing configuration for the B-36 was proposed in 1950, initially with propeller-turbines then with eight 8,7001b St XJ57-P-3 turbojets paired in underwing pods, as on the B-52. This version was designated B-36G, but by the time two prototypes were ordered on 15 March, 1951, from the B-36F production line, the designation had been revised to YB-60. The 35 degrees swept-back wing reduced the wing span by 24ft., but the wider centre chord increased the wing area to 5,239sq. ft. All except the twin 20mm tail guns were removed and a pointed nose cap ended in an instrument probe. The tail shape was streamlined and heightened by 2ft. Bomb capacity remained unchanged and the five crew members were housed in a pressurised compartment similar to that of the B-36F.
With 72 per cent parts commonality with the B-36, the first YB-60 (49-2676) was completed in eight months, and with Beryl A. Erikson as pilot, made its first flight at Fort Worth on 18 April, 1952, three days after the YB-52. Flight tests at Edwards AFB revealed that the YB-60 was over 100 mph slower than the B-52 and thus plans for the B-60 to replace the B-36 on the line at Fort Worth were shelved.
Only about 40 hours were flown by the first YB-60 and the USAF never delivered engines for the second (49-2684). Although officially handed over to the USAF in mid 1954, both were already cocooned and they were scrapped soon afterwards. A commercial transport version was not proceeded with.
Eight Pratt & Whitney
8,700 lb. static thrust J57-P-3 turbojets.
Span 206 ft. 0 in.; length 171 ft. 0 in.; height 50 ft. 0 in.; wing area 5,239
sq. ft.
Weight empty 153,016 1b.; gross weight (estimated) 300,000 lb.
Maximum speed 508 mph at 39,250 ft. Ceiling 44,650 ft.; combat radius 2,920
miles with 10,000 1b. load; ferry range 6,192 miles (38,500 US gal. fuel capacity).
Nose gear detail
Scanned from original Convair photo.
During final assembly of the YB-60, large weights were mounted to the nose gear. Without all of its equipment installed, and with the fuel tanks empty, the aircraft was tail heavy.